I'm going to be a little controversial and suggest that the reputation idea is still kind of good because then it would give us all incentive to be more friendly and helpful...any competition would be completely healthy. Besides, I can't see anyone getting too upset over not having a reputation as high as someone else because its just a fun feature after all.
It could always be introduced as a trial feature and if it causes any problems, be removed? But then I guess that would be wasted work... Well, whatever happens, I still think its a fun idea.
And thank you Rikku for saying you like my posts.
I like yours too!